Ísafjarðardjúp

Ísafjarðardjúp is one of the deepest and most extensive fjord systems in the Westfjords of Iceland and represents one of the region’s most distinctive natural features. The fjord cuts deep into the Westfjords peninsula and is often simply referred to as “the Djúp”.

In early historical sources, the entire fjord was known as Ísafjörður, while the name Ísafjarðardjúp originally described only the deep channels branching from the main fjord. Today, the name is used for the entire fjord system.

At its mouth, Ísafjarðardjúp is approximately 20 km wide between Grænuhlíð and Óshlíð, narrowing further inland to around 7–10 km. The road distance from the mouth of the fjord to the inner end at Ísafjörður is about 120 km.

Fjords and bays

Numerous fjords and inlets branch off from Ísafjarðardjúp. On the southern side of the fjord system are:

• Bolungarvík
• Skutulsfjörður
• Álftafjörður
• Seyðisfjörður
• Hestfjörður
• Skötufjörður
• Mjóifjörður
• Vatnsfjörður
• Reykjarfjörður
• Ísafjörður

On the northern side of the fjord lie:

• Kaldalón
• Langadalsströnd
• Snæfjallaströnd

The Jökulfirðir fjords

North of Ísafjarðardjúp lie the remote and dramatic Jökulfirðir, a sparsely populated region characterised by steep mountains, long narrow fjords, and unspoiled wilderness.

Notable fjords and bays in the Jökulfirðir area include:

• Leirufjörður
• Reykjarfjörður (Jökulfirðir)
• Trékyllisvík
• Hrafnsfjörður
• Langafjörður

Towns and villages

Four main settlements are located along Ísafjarðardjúp:

• Bolungarvík
• Hnífsdalur (part of Ísafjarðarbær)
• Ísafjörður, by Skutulsfjörður
• Súðavík, by Álftafjörður

Islands

Three well-known islands lie within Ísafjarðardjúp:

• Æðey
• Vigur
• Borgarey

The islands play an important role in nature conservation and birdlife in the region. In particular, Vigur is renowned for its large eider duck colonies and diverse bird population.

With its vast fjord system, historic fishing communities, wildlife-rich islands, and dramatic mountain landscapes, Ísafjarðardjúp is one of Iceland’s most diverse and captivating natural regions — a destination where culture, history, and raw nature come together.